Welcome to Lesson 25 of Modern Greek! Today we explore one of the most essential - and most irregular - verbs in the Greek language: λέω (léo), meaning “to say,” “to tell,” or “to speak.”
Why is λέω so important? This verb is used constantly in everyday Greek conversation. Whether you’re giving information, expressing opinions, reporting what someone else said, or simply making casual conversation, λέω is indispensable. Greeks say “Τα λέμε!” (Ta léme! - “We’ll talk!”) when parting, showing how central this verb is to daily communication.
The Challenge and Beauty of λέω:
λέω belongs to an exclusive club of three totally irregular Modern Greek verbs that use completely different stems for different tenses (the others are βλέπω “to see” and τρώω “to eat”). This irregularity comes straight from Ancient Greek, where these common verbs had what linguists call “suppletive” stems - meaning different historical roots were used for different tenses instead of adding the regular suffixes.
Here’s what makes λέω fascinating: -
Present stem: λε-/λεγ- (from Ancient Greek λέγω) -
Aorist (simple past) stem: ειπ- → είπα (eípa) - completely unrelated etymologically! -
Future/Subjunctive stem: π- → θα πω (tha po)
Two Forms in Modern Greek:
You’ll encounter both λέω and λέγω in Modern Greek. The shorter form λέω (with forms like λες, λέει, λέμε) is more common in everyday speech and writing, while λέγω (with λέγεις, λέγει, λέγουμε) is slightly more formal but less frequently used. Both are correct, and we’ll use the more common λέω forms in this lesson.
What You’ll Learn:
In this lesson’s 30 examples, you’ll encounter λέω in all its major forms: -
Present tense (λέω, λες, λέει) for ongoing or habitual speech -
Imperfect (έλεγα, έλεγες, έλεγε) for past continuous or repeated actions -
Aorist (είπα, είπες, είπε) for completed past actions -
Future (θα πω, θα πεις, θα πει) for future statements -
Subjunctive (να πω, να πεις, να πει) for wishes, suggestions, and purpose -
Common expressions and idioms -
Reported speech patterns using ότι and πως
By mastering λέω, you’ll unlock the ability to express and report thoughts, opinions, and speech - truly essential for communicating in Greek!
Course Information:
This lesson is part of the comprehensive Latinum Institute language learning system. For the full course index and additional resources, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Key Takeaways
✦ λέω (léo) is one of the three most irregular verbs in Modern Greek ✦ Present tense: λέω, λες, λέει, λέμε, λέτε, λένε ✦ Simple past (aorist) uses a completely different stem: είπα, είπες, είπε ✦ Future/subjunctive uses yet another stem: θα πω, να πω ✦ Common in everyday expressions like “Τα λέμε!” (See you! / We’ll talk!) ✦ Essential for reported speech with ότι (that) ✦ Differs from μιλάω (to talk): λέω emphasizes the content of speech, μιλάω the act of speaking
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Each example presents the Greek text with word-by-word glossing. Line (a) shows the Greek script with transliteration and English glosses. Line (b) provides the natural English translation. A blank line separates each example.
25.1a Τι (Ti) what λες; (les?) you-say-PRES-2SG 25.1b Ti les?
25.2a Του (Tou) to-him λέω (léo) I-say-PRES-1SG πάντα (pánta) always την (tin) the-ACC αλήθεια (alíthia) truth 25.2b Tou léo pánta tin alíthia.
25.3a Η (I) the μητέρα (mitéra) mother μου (mou) my έλεγε (élege) was-saying-IMPERF-3SG παραμύθια (paramýthia) fairy-tales κάθε (káthe) every βράδυ (vrádi) evening 25.3b I mitéra mou élege paramýthia káthe vrádi.
25.4a Τι (Ti) what είπε; (eípe?) he-said-AOR-3SG 25.4b Ti eípe?
25.5a Δεν (Den) not θέλω (thélo) I-want να (na) to πω (po) I-say-SUBJ-1SG ψέματα (psémata) lies 25.5b Den thélo na po psémata.
25.6a Μου (Mou) to-me είπες (eípes) you-said-AOR-2SG ότι (óti) that θα (tha) will έρθεις (érthis) you-come-FUT 25.6b Mou eípes óti tha érthis.
25.7a Πες (Pes) say-IMPER-2SG μου (mou) to-me την (tin) the-ACC γνώμη (gnómi) opinion σου (sou) your 25.7b Pes mou tin gnómi sou.
25.8a Τι (Ti) what θα (tha) will της (tis) to-her πεις (peis) you-say-FUT-2SG τώρα; (tóra?) now 25.8b Ti tha tis peis tóra?
25.9a Λένε (Léne) they-say-PRES-3PL ότι (óti) that θα (tha) will βρέξει (vréxi) it-rain-FUT αύριο (ávrio) tomorrow 25.9b Léne óti tha vréxi ávrio.
25.10a Δεν (Den) not ακούς (akoús) you-hear τι (ti) what σου (sou) to-you λέω; (léo?) I-say-PRES-1SG 25.10b Den akoús ti sou léo?
25.11a Ο (O) the δάσκαλος (dáskalos) teacher μας (mas) our είπε (eípe) said-AOR-3SG πως (pos) that η (i) the εξέταση (exétasi) exam είναι (eínai) is δύσκολη (dýskoli) difficult 25.11b O dáskalos mas eípe pos i exétasi eínai dýskoli.
25.12a Πάντα (Pánta) always λέμε (léme) we-say-PRES-1PL τα (ta) the-things ίδια (ídia) same πράγματα (prágmata) things 25.12b Pánta léme ta ídia prágmata.
25.13a Της (Tis) to-her έλεγα (élega) I-was-saying-IMPERF-1SG να (na) to προσέχει (proséhi) she-be-careful-PRES αλλά (allá) but δεν (den) not με (me) me άκουγε (ákouge) she-was-listening-IMPERF-3SG 25.13b Tis élega na proséhi allá den me ákouge.
25.14a Τι (Ti) what λέτε; (léte?) you-say-PRES-2PL 25.14b Ti léte?
25.15a Μην (Min) not μου (mou) to-me πεις (peis) you-say-SUBJ-2SG ότι (óti) that ξέχασες (xéhases) you-forgot-AOR-2SG πάλι! (páli!) again 25.15b Min mou peis óti xéhases páli!
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The same 15 examples in natural Greek word order with idiomatic English translations.
25.1 Τι λες; (Ti les?) “What are you saying?”
25.2 Του λέω πάντα την αλήθεια. (Tou léo pánta tin alíthia.) “I always tell him the truth.”
25.3 Η μητέρα μου έλεγε παραμύθια κάθε βράδυ. (I mitéra mou élege paramýthia káthe vrádi.) “My mother used to tell fairy tales every evening.”
25.4 Τι είπε; (Ti eípe?) “What did he say?”
25.5 Δεν θέλω να πω ψέματα. (Den thélo na po psémata.) “I don’t want to tell lies.”
25.6 Μου είπες ότι θα έρθεις. (Mou eípes óti tha érthis.) “You told me that you would come.”
25.7 Πες μου την γνώμη σου. (Pes mou tin gnómi sou.) “Tell me your opinion.”
25.8 Τι θα της πεις τώρα; (Ti tha tis peis tóra?) “What will you tell her now?”
25.9 Λένε ότι θα βρέξει αύριο. (Léne óti tha vréxi ávrio.) “They say that it will rain tomorrow.”
25.10 Δεν ακούς τι σου λέω; (Den akoús ti sou léo?) “Don’t you hear what I’m telling you?”
25.11 Ο δάσκαλος μας είπε πως η εξέταση είναι δύσκολη. (O dáskalos mas eípe pos i exétasi eínai dýskoli.) “Our teacher said that the exam is difficult.”
25.12 Πάντα λέμε τα ίδια πράγματα. (Pánta léme ta ídia prágmata.) “We always say the same things.”
25.13 Της έλεγα να προσέχει αλλά δεν με άκουγε. (Tis élega na proséhi allá den me ákouge.) “I was telling her to be careful, but she wasn’t listening to me.”
25.14 Τι λέτε; (Ti léte?) “What are you (plural) saying?” / “What do you say?”
25.15 Μην μου πεις ότι ξέχασες πάλι! (Min mou peis óti xéhases páli!) “Don’t tell me you forgot again!”
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Pure Greek text with romanization, no English translations.
25.1 Τι λες; Ti les?
25.2 Του λέω πάντα την αλήθεια. Tou léo pánta tin alíthia.
25.3 Η μητέρα μου έλεγε παραμύθια κάθε βράδυ. I mitéra mou élege paramýthia káthe vrádi.
25.4 Τι είπε; Ti eípe?
25.5 Δεν θέλω να πω ψέματα. Den thélo na po psémata.
25.6 Μου είπες ότι θα έρθεις. Mou eípes óti tha érthis.
25.7 Πες μου την γνώμη σου. Pes mou tin gnómi sou.
25.8 Τι θα της πεις τώρα; Ti tha tis peis tóra?
25.9 Λένε ότι θα βρέξει αύριο. Léne óti tha vréxi ávrio.
25.10 Δεν ακούς τι σου λέω; Den akoús ti sou léo?
25.11 Ο δάσκαλος μας είπε πως η εξέταση είναι δύσκολη. O dáskalos mas eípe pos i exétasi eínai dýskoli.
25.12 Πάντα λέμε τα ίδια πράγματα. Pánta léme ta ídia prágmata.
25.13 Της έλεγα να προσέχει αλλά δεν με άκουγε. Tis élega na proséhi allá den me ákouge.
25.14 Τι λέτε; Ti léte?
25.15 Μην μου πεις ότι ξέχασες πάλι! Min mou peis óti xéhases páli!
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
These are the grammar rules for λέω (to say, to tell, to speak):
λέω is one of the three most irregular verbs in Modern Greek, along with βλέπω (to see) and τρώω (to eat). These verbs inherited their irregularity from Ancient Greek, where they used completely different stems (called “suppletive” stems) for different tenses rather than following regular conjugation patterns.
The Three Stems of λέω: -
Present Stem: λε-/λεγ- -
Modern colloquial: λέω, λες, λέει, λέμε, λέτε, λένε/λεν -
More formal: λέγω, λέγεις, λέγει, λέγουμε, λέγετε, λέγουν/λέγουνε -
Aorist (Simple Past) Stem: ειπ- -
Completely different root! -
Forms: είπα, είπες, είπε, είπαμε, είπατε, είπαν/είπανε -
Future/Subjunctive Stem: π- -
Also unrelated to the present! -
Future: θα πω, θα πεις, θα πει, θα πούμε, θα πείτε, θα πουν/πούνε -
Subjunctive: να πω, να πεις, να πει, να πούμε, να πείτε, να πουν/πούνε
Full Conjugation Summary:
Present Tense (Ενεστώτας): -
Singular: λέω (I say), λες (you say), λέει (he/she/it says) -
Plural: λέμε (we say), λέτε (you say), λένε/λεν (they say)
Imperfect (Παρατατικός - Past Continuous/Habitual): -
Singular: έλεγα (I was saying/used to say), έλεγες, έλεγε -
Plural: λέγαμε, λέγατε, έλεγαν/λέγαν(ε)
Aorist (Αόριστος - Simple Past): -
Singular: είπα (I said), είπες, είπε -
Plural: είπαμε, είπατε, είπαν/είπανε
Future Continuous (Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας): -
θα λέω, θα λες, θα λέει, θα λέμε, θα λέτε, θα λένε
Future Simple (Στιγμιαίος Μέλλοντας): -
θα πω, θα πεις, θα πει, θα πούμε, θα πείτε, θα πουν/πούνε
Subjunctive (Υποτακτική): -
να πω, να πεις, να πει, να πούμε, να πείτε, να πουν/πούνε
Imperative (Προστακτική): -
Singular: πες! (say!) -
Plural: πείτε! (say!)
Perfect Tenses: -
Perfect: έχω πει (I have said) -
Pluperfect: είχα πει (I had said)
Participle: -
λέγοντας (saying) - rarely used in modern Greek
Key Grammar Points: -
Aspect Distinction: -
Imperfect (έλεγα) = ongoing, repeated, or habitual action in the past: “I was saying,” “I used to say” -
Aorist (είπα) = completed action in the past: “I said” (once, definitively) -
Indirect Objects: -
λέω takes dative-like constructions using personal pronouns in genitive form -
μου (to me), σου (to you), του/της (to him/her), μας (to us), σας (to you-pl), τους (to them) -
Example: Του λέω = “I tell him” (literally “to-him I-say”) -
Reported Speech: -
Uses ότι (óti) or πως (pos) = “that” -
Example: Είπε ότι θα έρθει = “He said that he will come” -
The tense after ότι/πως often remains unchanged (unlike English) -
Negation: -
Present/Imperfect/Future Continuous: δεν + verb -
Example: δεν λέω = “I don’t say” -
Subjunctive/Imperative: μην + verb -
Example: μην πεις = “don’t say” -
Question Formation: -
Questions often use just rising intonation -
Τι λες; = “What are you saying?” -
Τι είπε; = “What did he say?”
Common Mistakes: -
Using the wrong stem: Students often try to use the present stem for past tense, saying *”έλεψα” instead of είπα. Remember: the aorist uses a completely different stem! -
Confusing aspect: English “I said” could translate to either είπα (I said - completed action) or έλεγα (I was saying/I kept saying). Choose based on whether the action was ongoing or completed. -
Wrong negation particle: Using δεν with subjunctive instead of μην. Correct: μην πεις (don’t say), not *”δεν πεις” -
Forgetting indirect object pronouns: In Greek, you must include the pronoun: Του λέω (I tell him), not just *”Λέω” -
Literal translation of “say”: λέω can mean “say,” “tell,” or even “speak” depending on context. Don’t confuse with μιλάω (to talk, speak generally). -
Imperative formation: Students might try *”λέγε” for the imperative, but the correct form is πες! (using the aorist stem).
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Frequency and Importance:
λέω is one of the most frequently used verbs in Modern Greek conversation. Greeks are famously communicative, and this verb appears constantly in daily speech, storytelling, gossip, news, and debate. Understanding λέω is absolutely essential for engaging in Greek conversation at any level.
Common Expressions and Idioms: -
Τα λέμε! (Ta léme!) - “See you!” / “We’ll talk!” -
Literally “we say them” (the things) -
The most common casual way to say goodbye among friends -
Shows how central speaking/communication is to Greek social culture -
Τι να πω; (Ti na po?) - “What can I say?” -
Expression of resignation or when words fail -
Used when you don’t know how to respond to something -
Λέω να... (Léo na...) - “I’m thinking of...” / “I suggest...” -
Used for suggestions: Λέω να πάμε = “I suggest we go” -
Πες μου! (Pes mou!) - “Tell me!” -
Common exclamation of curiosity or disbelief -
Μην τα παραλές! (Min ta para lés!) - “Don’t exaggerate!” -
From compound verb παραλέω (παρά + λέω) -
Very common in casual speech -
Δεν λέει! (Den léi!) - “No way!” / “It doesn’t say anything!” -
Expression of disbelief or dismissal -
Τι θέλω να πω... (Ti thélo na po...) - “What I mean is...” -
Used to clarify or rephrase
λέω vs. μιλάω:
An important distinction for learners: -
λέω emphasizes the content of speech, what is said -
Τι λες; = “What are you saying?” (what content) -
Focus on the words, message, or statement -
μιλάω emphasizes the act of speaking or talking -
Μιλάω ελληνικά = “I speak Greek” (the language) -
Μιλάμε για ώρες = “We talk for hours” (the activity) -
Focus on the process of communication
Formality and Register:
The verb λέω is used across all registers, from very informal to formal. However: -
λέω forms (λες, λέει, λέμε) are more common in everyday speech -
λέγω forms (λέγεις, λέγει, λέγουμε) can sound slightly more formal or literary, though both are correct
In formal writing and official contexts, you might see more use of λέγω forms, but this distinction is not strict, and λέω dominates in both speech and casual writing.
Reported Speech Culture:
Greeks frequently use reported speech in conversation, often introducing what others have said with λέει/είπε ότι... This creates a narrative, storytelling quality to Greek conversation. It’s common to hear long stories that weave together multiple voices and perspectives using λέω.
Example: Και λέει η Μαρία ότι είπε ο Γιώργος ότι... = “And Maria says that George said that...”
Historical Note:
The suppletive stems of λέω come from different Indo-European roots: -
λέγω (present) comes from PIE *leg- “to gather, collect” → “to gather words” → “to say” -
είπον (aorist) comes from PIE *wekʷ- “to speak”
These ancient roots merged into one paradigm in Greek, creating the irregularity we see today. This same pattern existed in Ancient Greek and has been preserved in Modern Greek, showing the remarkable continuity of the language across millennia.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Source: Contemporary Modern Greek usage example
F-A: Interleaved/Construed Text for Beginners
F.1a Ο (O) the παππούς (pappous) grandfather μου (mou) my πάντα (pánta) always έλεγε: (élege:) was-saying “Να (Na) to λες (les) you-say πάντα (pánta) always την (tin) the αλήθεια, (alíthia,) truth γιατί (giatí) because το (to) the ψέμα (pséma) lie έχει (éhi) has κοντά (kondá) short πόδια.” (pódia.”) legs F.1b O pappous mou pánta élege: “Na les pánta tin alíthia, giatí to pséma éhi kondá pódia.”
F.2a Μου (Mou) to-me το (to) it-ACC είπε (eípe) he-said χίλιες (hílies) thousand φορές, (forés,) times και (kai) and ποτέ (poté) never δεν (den) not το (to) it-ACC ξέχασα. (xéhasa.) I-forgot F.2b Mou to eípe hílies forés, kai poté den to xéhasa.
F.3a Τώρα (Tóra) now που (pou) that είμαι (eímai) I-am μεγάλος, (megálos,) grown καταλαβαίνω (katalavéno) I-understand τι (ti) what ήθελε (íthele) he-wanted να (na) to πει. (pei.) he-say F.3b Tóra pou eímai megálos, katalavéno ti íthele na pei.
F-B: Authentic Text with Idiomatic English Translation
Ο παππούς μου πάντα έλεγε: “Να λες πάντα την αλήθεια, γιατί το ψέμα έχει κοντά πόδια.” Μου το είπε χίλιες φορές, και ποτέ δεν το ξέχασα. Τώρα που είμαι μεγάλος, καταλαβαίνω τι ήθελε να πει.
(O pappous mou pánta élege: “Na les pánta tin alíthia, giatí to pséma éhi kondá pódia.” Mou to eípe hílies forés, kai poté den to xéhasa. Tóra pou eímai megálos, katalavéno ti íthele na pei.)
“My grandfather always used to say: ‘Always tell the truth, because lies have short legs.’ He told it to me a thousand times, and I never forgot it. Now that I’m grown up, I understand what he meant.”
F-C: Authentic Text in Original Script Only
Ο παππούς μου πάντα έλεγε: “Να λες πάντα την αλήθεια, γιατί το ψέμα έχει κοντά πόδια.” Μου το είπε χίλιες φορές, και ποτέ δεν το ξέχασα. Τώρα που είμαι μεγάλος, καταλαβαίνω τι ήθελε να πει.
O pappous mou pánta élege: “Na les pánta tin alíthia, giatí to pséma éhi kondá pódia.” Mou to eípe hílies forés, kai poté den to xéhasa. Tóra pou eímai megálos, katalavéno ti íthele na pei.
F-D: Grammar and Vocabulary Explanation for the Citation
This passage demonstrates multiple forms of λέω across three different tenses and moods: -
έλεγε (élege) - Imperfect, 3rd person singular: “he was saying/used to say” -
Shows habitual action in the past -
From the present stem λεγ- -
λες (les) - Present, 2nd person singular: “you say” -
Within the grandfather’s quoted advice (subjunctive use with να) -
From the present stem λε- -
είπε (eípe) - Aorist, 3rd person singular: “he said” -
Shows completed action (he told it many times, each a completed action) -
From the aorist stem ειπ- -
πει (pei) - Subjunctive aorist, 3rd person singular: “he say/mean” -
In the phrase τι ήθελε να πει = “what he wanted to say/mean” -
From the aorist subjunctive stem π-
Key vocabulary: -
παππούς (pappous) = grandfather -
αλήθεια (alíthia) = truth -
ψέμα (pséma) = lie -
κοντά πόδια (kondá pódia) = short legs (idiom: lies are quickly exposed) -
χίλιες φορές (hílies forés) = a thousand times -
καταλαβαίνω (katalavéno) = I understand -
τι ήθελε να πει = “what he wanted to say” = “what he meant”
F-E: Literary/Contextual Commentary
This passage exemplifies several important aspects of λέω in Modern Greek:
The Proverb: “Το ψέμα έχει κοντά πόδια” (Lies have short legs) is a well-known Greek saying, equivalent to English “The truth will out” or “Lies have short legs” (which exists in several European languages). It means that lies are quickly caught up with and exposed, as if they can’t run far on their short legs.
Generational Wisdom: The passage shows the typical Greek pattern of elders passing down wisdom through repeated sayings. The use of έλεγε (imperfect) emphasizes the habitual nature of the grandfather’s advice.
Multiple Forms Showcase: The passage naturally demonstrates four different forms of λέω, making it pedagogically valuable for learners to see how the same verb transforms across tenses and moods in authentic context.
The Phrase “τι ήθελε να πει”: This is a very common Greek expression meaning “what he/she meant.” Literally “what he wanted to say,” it’s used when explaining the intended meaning or significance of something someone said. This shows how λέω is used idiomatically beyond just “to say.”
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The following 15 examples (25.16-25.30) present a natural conversation between friends meeting at a café, demonstrating how λέω is used in authentic dialogue. This genre is perfect for a communication verb, showing how Greeks naturally use λέω in everyday interaction.
Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
25.16a - (-) — Γεια (Geia) hi σου! (sou!) you Τι (Ti) what κάνεις; (kánis?) you-do Τι (Ti) what λες; (les?) you-say 25.16b - Geia sou! Ti kánis? Ti les?
25.17a - (-) — Καλά! (Kalá!) well Εσύ (Esý) you τι (ti) what κάνεις; (kánis?) you-do Πολύ (Polý) very καιρό (kairó) time να (na) to μιλήσουμε! (milísoume!) we-talk 25.17b - Kalá! Esý ti kánis? Polý kairó na milísoume!
25.18a - (-) — Ναι, (Nai,) yes είναι (eínai) it-is αλήθεια. (alíthia.) truth Άκουσα (Ákousa) I-heard ότι (óti) that άλλαξες (állaxes) you-changed δουλειά. (douliá.) job Τι (Ti) what λένε (léne) they-say οι (i) the άλλοι; (álli?) others Είναι (Eínai) it-is αλήθεια; (alíthia?) truth 25.18b - Nai, eínai alíthia. Ákousa óti állaxes douliá. Ti léne i álli? Eínai alíthia?
25.19a - (-) — Ναι, (Nai,) yes αλήθεια (alíthia) truth είναι. (eínai.) it-is Μου (Mou) to-me το (to) it είπε (eípe) he-said ο (o) the διευθυντής (diefthindís) director την (tin) the περασμένη (perasméni) last εβδομάδα. (evdomáda.) week 25.19b - Nai, alíthia eínai. Mou to eípe o diefthindís tin perasméni evdomáda.
25.20a - (-) — Και (Kai) and τι (ti) what του (tou) to-him είπες; (eípes?) you-said Δέχτηκες; (Déhtikes?) you-accepted 25.20b - Kai ti tou eípes? Déhtikes?
25.21a - (-) — Δεν (Den) not ήξερα (íxera) I-knew τι (ti) what να (na) to πω (po) I-say στην (stin) at-the αρχή. (arhí.) beginning Αλλά (Allá) but μετά (metá) after του (tou) to-him είπα (eípa) I-said “ναι”. (”nai”.) yes 25.21b - Den íxera ti na po stin arhí. Allá metá tou eípa “nai”.
25.22a - (-) — Μπράβο! (Brávo!) bravo Πολύ (Polý) very καλά (kalá) well έκανες. (ékanes.) you-did Τι (Ti) what λέει (léi) he-says η (i) the οικογένειά (ikogéniá) family σου; (sou?) your 25.22b - Brávo! Polý kalá ékanes. Ti léi i ikogéniá sou?
25.23a - (-) — Όλοι (Óli) all χαίρονται. (héronde.) they-rejoice Η (I) the μητέρα (mitéra) mother μου (mou) my μόνο (móno) only μου (mou) to-me έλεγε (élege) was-saying να (na) to προσέχω. (prosého.) I-be-careful 25.23b - Óli héronde. I mitéra mou móno mou élege na prosého.
25.24a - (-) — Φυσικά! (Fysikά!) naturally Οι (I) the μητέρες (mitéres) mothers πάντα (pánta) always λένε (léne) they-say τα (ta) the ίδια (ídia) same πράγματα! (prágmata!) things 25.24b - Fysikά! I mitéres pánta léne ta ídia prágmata!
25.25a - (-) — Εσύ (Esý) you τι (ti) what θα (tha) will πεις (peis) you-say στον (ston) to-the διευθυντή (diefthindí) director σου (sou) your για (gia) for τις (tis) the διακοπές; (diakopés?) vacations 25.25b - Esý ti tha peis ston diefthindí sou gia tis diakopés?
25.26a - (-) — Του (Tou) to-him είπα (eípa) I-said ήδη (ídi) already ότι (óti) that θέλω (thélo) I-want δύο (dýo) two εβδομάδες (evdomádes) weeks τον (ton) the-ACC Αύγουστο. (Ávgousto.) August 25.26b - Tou eípa ídi óti thélo dýo evdomádes ton Ávgousto.
25.27a - (-) — Και (Kai) and τι (ti) what σου (sou) to-you είπε; (eípe?) he-said 25.27b - Kai ti sou eípe?
25.28a - (-) — Μου (Mou) to-me είπε (eípe) he-said “θα (tha) will δούμε”. (doúme”.) we-see Ξέρεις (Xéris) you-know πώς (pos) how είναι... (eínai...) he-is 25.28b - Mou eípe “tha doúme”. Xéris pos eínai...
25.29a - (-) — Α, (A,) ah καταλαβαίνω! (katalavéno!) I-understand Πάντως, (Pándos,) anyway θα (tha) will τα (ta) the-things πούμε (poúme) we-say σύντομα. (sýndoma.) soon Πρέπει (Prépei) must να (na) to φύγω (fýgo) I-leave τώρα. (tóra.) now 25.29b - A, katalavéno! Pándos, tha ta poúme sýndoma. Prépei na fýgo tóra.
25.30a - (-) — Εντάξει, (Endáxei,) okay τα (ta) the-things λέμε! (léme!) we-say Και (Kai) and να (na) to μου (mou) to-me πεις (peis) you-say τα (ta) the νέα! (néa!) news 25.30b - Endáxei, ta léme! Kai na mou peis ta néa!
Part B: Natural Sentences
25.16 - Γεια σου! Τι κάνεις; Τι λες; (- Geia sou! Ti kánis? Ti les?) “- Hi! How are you? What’s up?”
25.17 - Καλά! Εσύ τι κάνεις; Πολύ καιρό να μιλήσουμε! (- Kalá! Esý ti kánis? Polý kairó na milísoume!) “- Good! How are you? It’s been a long time since we talked!”
25.18 - Ναι, είναι αλήθεια. Άκουσα ότι άλλαξες δουλειά. Τι λένε οι άλλοι; Είναι αλήθεια; (- Nai, eínai alíthia. Ákousa óti állaxes douliá. Ti léne i álli? Eínai alíthia?) “- Yes, it’s true. I heard that you changed jobs. What are people saying? Is it true?”
25.19 - Ναι, αλήθεια είναι. Μου το είπε ο διευθυντής την περασμένη εβδομάδα. (- Nai, alíthia eínai. Mou to eípe o diefthindís tin perasméni evdomáda.) “- Yes, it’s true. The director told me last week.”
25.20 - Και τι του είπες; Δέχτηκες; (- Kai ti tou eípes? Déhtikes?) “- And what did you tell him? Did you accept?”
25.21 - Δεν ήξερα τι να πω στην αρχή. Αλλά μετά του είπα “ναι”. (- Den íxera ti na po stin arhí. Allá metá tou eípa “nai”.) “- I didn’t know what to say at first. But then I told him ‘yes’.”
25.22 - Μπράβο! Πολύ καλά έκανες. Τι λέει η οικογένειά σου; (- Brávo! Polý kalá ékanes. Ti léi i ikogéniá sou?) “- Bravo! You did very well. What does your family say?”
25.23 - Όλοι χαίρονται. Η μητέρα μου μόνο μου έλεγε να προσέχω. (- Óli héronde. I mitéra mou móno mou élege na prosého.) “- Everyone is happy. Only my mother was telling me to be careful.”
25.24 - Φυσικά! Οι μητέρες πάντα λένε τα ίδια πράγματα! (- Fysikά! I mitéres pánta léne ta ídia prágmata!) “- Of course! Mothers always say the same things!”
25.25 - Εσύ τι θα πεις στον διευθυντή σου για τις διακοπές; (- Esý ti tha peis ston diefthindí sou gia tis diakopés?) “- What will you tell your director about vacation?”
25.26 - Του είπα ήδη ότι θέλω δύο εβδομάδες τον Αύγουστο. (- Tou eípa ídi óti thélo dýo evdomádes ton Ávgousto.) “- I already told him that I want two weeks in August.”
25.27 - Και τι σου είπε; (- Kai ti sou eípe?) “- And what did he tell you?”
25.28 - Μου είπε “θα δούμε”. Ξέρεις πώς είναι... (- Mou eípe “tha doúme”. Xéris pos eínai...) “- He told me ‘we’ll see’. You know how he is...”
25.29 - Α, καταλαβαίνω! Πάντως, θα τα πούμε σύντομα. Πρέπει να φύγω τώρα. (- A, katalavéno! Pándos, tha ta poúme sýndoma. Prépei na fýgo tóra.) “- Ah, I understand! Anyway, we’ll talk soon. I have to leave now.”
25.30 - Εντάξει, τα λέμε! Και να μου πεις τα νέα! (- Endáxei, ta léme! Kai na mou peis ta néa!) “- Okay, see you! And tell me the news!”
Part C: Target Language Only
25.16 - Γεια σου! Τι κάνεις; Τι λες; - Geia sou! Ti kánis? Ti les?
25.17 - Καλά! Εσύ τι κάνεις; Πολύ καιρό να μιλήσουμε! - Kalá! Esý ti kánis? Polý kairó na milísoume!
25.18 - Ναι, είναι αλήθεια. Άκουσα ότι άλλαξες δουλειά. Τι λένε οι άλλοι; Είναι αλήθεια; - Nai, eínai alíthia. Ákousa óti állaxes douliá. Ti léne i álli? Eínai alíthia?
25.19 - Ναι, αλήθεια είναι. Μου το είπε ο διευθυντής την περασμένη εβδομάδα. - Nai, alíthia eínai. Mou to eípe o diefthindís tin perasméni evdomáda.
25.20 - Και τι του είπες; Δέχτηκες; - Kai ti tou eípes? Déhtikes?
25.21 - Δεν ήξερα τι να πω στην αρχή. Αλλά μετά του είπα “ναι”. - Den íxera ti na po stin arhí. Allá metá tou eípa “nai”.
25.22 - Μπράβο! Πολύ καλά έκανες. Τι λέει η οικογένειά σου; - Brávo! Polý kalá ékanes. Ti léi i ikogéniá sou?
25.23 - Όλοι χαίρονται. Η μητέρα μου μόνο μου έλεγε να προσέχω. - Óli héronde. I mitéra mou móno mou élege na prosého.
25.24 - Φυσικά! Οι μητέρες πάντα λένε τα ίδια πράγματα! - Fysikά! I mitéres pánta léne ta ídia prágmata!
25.25 - Εσύ τι θα πεις στον διευθυντή σου για τις διακοπές; - Esý ti tha peis ston diefthindí sou gia tis diakopés?
25.26 - Του είπα ήδη ότι θέλω δύο εβδομάδες τον Αύγουστο. - Tou eípa ídi óti thélo dýo evdomádes ton Ávgousto.
25.27 - Και τι σου είπε; - Kai ti sou eípe?
25.28 - Μου είπε “θα δούμε”. Ξέρεις πώς είναι... - Mou eípe “tha doúme”. Xéris pos eínai...
25.29 - Α, καταλαβαίνω! Πάντως, θα τα πούμε σύντομα. Πρέπει να φύγω τώρα. - A, katalavéno! Pándos, tha ta poúme sýndoma. Prépei na fýgo tóra.
25.30 - Εντάξει, τα λέμε! Και να μου πεις τα νέα! - Endáxei, ta léme! Kai na mou peis ta néa!
Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
This dialogue demonstrates the natural, conversational use of λέω in Modern Greek, showcasing several important patterns:
1. “Τι λες;” as a greeting: Example 25.16 shows Τι λες; used as a casual greeting meaning “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” This is extremely common among friends and shows how λέω extends beyond its literal meaning.
2. Reported speech in conversation: Multiple examples show how Greeks naturally use reported speech: -
Άκουσα ότι άλλαξες δουλειά (25.18) - “I heard that you changed jobs” -
Μου το είπε ο διευθυντής (25.19) - “The director told me” -
Του είπα ήδη ότι θέλω... (25.26) - “I already told him that I want...”
3. Multiple tenses in natural flow: The dialogue showcases how different forms of λέω naturally appear in conversation: -
Present: λες, λέει, λένε, λέμε -
Imperfect: έλεγε (25.23) - “was telling” -
Aorist: είπε, είπα, είπες (25.19, 25.20, 25.21, 25.26, 25.27, 25.28) -
Future: θα πεις, θα πούμε (25.25, 25.29) -
Subjunctive: να πω, να πεις (25.21, 25.30)
4. “Τα λέμε!” as goodbye: Example 25.30 demonstrates the ubiquitous Greek farewell τα λέμε! (literally “we say them” = “we’ll talk!” = “see you!”). This expression perfectly captures the importance of communication in Greek culture.
5. Indirect object pronouns: The dialogue shows the natural use of pronouns with λέω: -
Μου το είπε (to me it he-said) - 25.19 -
Του είπα (to him I-said) - 25.21, 25.26 -
Τι σου είπε; (what to-you he-said?) - 25.27 -
Να μου πεις (to to-me you-say) - 25.30
6. “Δεν ήξερα τι να πω”: Example 25.21 shows the common expression “I didn’t know what to say” using the subjunctive να πω. This construction (ξέρω + τι να + subjunctive) is very frequent in Greek.
7. Idiom “θα δούμε”: Example 25.28 includes the response “θα δούμε” (”we’ll see”), which is the Greek equivalent of a non-committal answer. It’s interesting because it uses βλέπω (to see) instead of λέω, showing how different verbs of perception/communication are used idiomatically.
Vocabulary notes for the dialogue: -
διευθυντής = director, manager -
δουλειά = job, work -
οικογένεια = family -
διακοπές = vacation, holidays -
προσέχω = to be careful, to pay attention -
χαίρομαι = to rejoice, to be happy -
τα νέα = the news (always plural in Greek)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Key Pronunciation Notes for λέω:
Present Forms: -
λέω (LÉ-o) - stress on first syllable -
λες (les) - single syllable, like “less” but with Greek ‘e’ -
λέει (LÉ-i) - two syllables: LÉ-i -
λέμε (LÉ-me) - stress on first syllable -
λέτε (LÉ-te) - stress on first syllable -
λένε/λεν (LÉ-ne/len) - stress on first syllable
Aorist Forms: -
είπα (Í-pa) - stress on first syllable: EE-pa -
είπες (Í-pes) - EE-pes -
είπε (Í-pe) - EE-pe -
Note: The ‘ει’ diphthong is pronounced like ‘ee’ in “meet”
Future/Subjunctive Forms: -
πω (po) - single syllable, like English “paw” -
πεις (pis) - rhymes with “piece” -
πει (pi) - like “pee” -
πούμε (POÚ-me) - POO-me -
πείτε (PÍ-te) - PEE-te -
πουν/πούνε (poun/POÚ-ne)
Imperative: -
πες (pes) - like “pest” without the ‘t’ -
πείτε (PÍ-te) - PEE-te
Common Expressions: -
Τι λες; (ti LES?) - rising intonation for question -
Τα λέμε! (ta LÉ-me!) - stress on λέ- -
Μην τα παραλές! (min ta pa-ra-LÉS!) - stress on final syllable of παραλές
IPA for Key Forms: -
λέω = /ˈle.o/ -
λες = /les/ -
είπα = /ˈi.pa/ -
πω = /po/ -
πες = /pes/
Common Pronunciation Errors for English Speakers: -
Diphthong ει: Pronounced as [i], not [ai]. είπα is EE-pa, not AY-pa -
Double consonants: Greek λέω has a single λ; pronounce it clearly but not doubled -
Stress placement: Greek stress is crucial for meaning. λέω has stress on the first syllable -
The letter π: Pronounced as [p], not [b]. πω is “po” not “bo” -
Final -ε: In λέει, the final ε is pronounced as a separate syllable: LÉ-i (two syllables), not “lay”
Audio Reference Suggestions: -
Forvo.com entries for “λέω”, “είπα”, “πω” -
GreekPod101 pronunciation guides -
YouTube: “Greek pronunciation λέω” -
Practice with native speakers using apps like iTalki or Tandem
Tone and Stress Patterns: -
Greek is a stress-timed language -
Each word has one primary stress marked by an accent (e.g., λέω, είπα) -
In questions, intonation rises at the end: Τι λες; (rising tone on λες) -
In statements, intonation falls: Του λέω. (falling tone)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Modern Greek Course, a comprehensive language learning program designed for autodidact students who want to master Greek through the proven interlinear glossing method.
About the Latinum Institute:
The Latinum Institute has been creating high-quality language learning materials since 2006. Our methodology is based on the time-tested principle that reading comprehensible input with detailed glossing is the most effective way to internalize a new language’s grammar and vocabulary.
For more information about our courses and methodology, visit: -
Course Index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index -
Main Website: https://latinum.org.uk -
Student Reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
The Interlinear Glossing Method:
Each lesson in this course presents Greek text with word-by-word English glosses, allowing you to understand exactly how Greek sentences are constructed. This method: -
Makes complex grammar patterns visible and comprehensible -
Allows you to read authentic Greek from day one -
Builds vocabulary naturally through repeated exposure in context -
Eliminates the need for extensive grammar drills -
Respects your intelligence as an adult learner
How to Use These Lessons: -
Section A (Interlinear Construed Text): Read through carefully, noting how each Greek word corresponds to its English gloss. This builds your understanding of Greek word order and grammar. -
Section B (Natural Sentences): See the same sentences in their natural form. Try to read them without looking at the glosses, using Section A as reference when needed. -
Section C (Target Language Only): Test your comprehension by reading the Greek text with only romanization provided. -
Section D (Grammar Explanation): Study the grammatical patterns systematically. Refer back to the examples in Sections A-C to see these patterns in action. -
Section E (Cultural Context): Understand how the word or concept fits into Greek culture and usage. -
Section F (Literary Citation): Experience authentic Greek text and see how the lesson’s topic word appears in real literature or contemporary usage. -
Genre Section: Encounter the word in extended context through dialogue, narrative, or other text types.
The CSV-Based Progression:
This course is built around a carefully curated 1000-word vocabulary list, with each lesson focusing on one word from this foundational corpus. This ensures systematic coverage of the most important Greek vocabulary while allowing each lesson to be a self-contained unit. The interlinear format means you don’t need to have completed previous lessons - every example contains all the information you need to understand it.
Why Greek?
Modern Greek (Νέα Ελληνικά) is the continuation of one of the world’s oldest documented languages, with an unbroken written tradition spanning over 3,400 years. Learning Greek opens doors to: -
Direct access to Greek literature, philosophy, and culture -
Understanding the roots of English and other European languages -
Communication with 13+ million Greek speakers worldwide -
Deeper appreciation of Greek history and contemporary Greek society -
The linguistic foundation for studying Ancient Greek
Support Your Learning:
While these lessons are designed for independent study, language learning is enhanced by interaction. Consider: -
Finding language exchange partners through HelloTalk, Tandem, or iTalki -
Joining Greek learning communities on Reddit (r/greek) or Discord -
Watching Greek television and films with subtitles -
Reading Greek news websites and blogs -
Visiting Greece or Greek communities to practice
Final Thoughts:
Language learning is a journey, not a destination. The irregular verb λέω you’ve studied in this lesson is used dozens of times every day by Greek speakers. By mastering it through exposure to 30 authentic examples, you’ve taken a significant step toward Greek fluency.
Continue working through these lessons systematically, but remember: the goal isn’t to memorize every detail, but to absorb the patterns of the language through repeated, meaningful exposure. Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and enjoy discovering the beauty of Modern Greek!
Καλή επιτυχία! (Good luck!)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---